One of my favorite travel trends right now is something called a Readaway.

Instead of rushing from attraction to attraction, travelers are booking holidays specifically to slow down and read. Think cozy cabins, seaside cottages, charming bookstores, library hotels, and afternoons spent with a good book and absolutely nowhere to be.

The trend has exploded thanks to BookTok and the growing desire for slower, more meaningful travel. According to Vrbo, 91% of travelers are interested in getaways centered around reading, relaxation, and quality time. Searches for reading retreats and literary escapes have surged in recent years.

As both a travel blogger and an author, I completely understand the appeal.

Some of my favorite travel memories aren’t the big attractions. They’re the quiet moments: reading in a café in London, on a balcony in Belize, or beside a pool in Texas with nowhere to be.

A few fun Readaway ideas:

Visit a destination featured in a favorite novel.

Rent a cozy cabin and unplug for a weekend.

Explore famous bookstores and literary towns.

Spend an afternoon reading somewhere beautiful without feeling guilty about “doing nothing.”

In a world that often feels noisy, maybe the ultimate luxury isn’t another sightseeing itinerary.

Maybe it’s a comfortable chair, a great story, and a little peace and quiet.

And honestly? That sounds like my kind of holiday.

Fun Fact

One of the biggest travel trends right now is “noctourism” or night tourism. Instead of planning trips around beaches and landmarks, travelers are increasingly choosing destinations for meteor showers, eclipses, the Northern Lights, stargazing, and dark-sky experiences. In fact, dark-sky travel has become one of the fastest-growing travel niches in recent years

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1. Japan
Cherry blossoms, Tokyo, Kyoto, food tourism, anime culture, and favorable exchange rates.

2. Italy
Rome, Tuscany, Sicily, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast continue to dominate travel wish lists.

3. Greece
Island hopping remains one of the world’s most sought-after holiday experiences.

4. Thailand
Affordable luxury, tropical beaches, incredible food, and year-round appeal.

5. Portugal
One of Europe’s fastest-growing destinations, popular with tourists and digital nomads alike.

6. Egypt
The pyramids, Nile cruises, and the Grand Egyptian Museum are drawing huge interest.

7. Vietnam
Beautiful scenery, excellent food, and outstanding value for money.

8. Morocco
Ancient medinas, desert adventures, and vibrant markets continue to attract travelers.

9. South Africa
Cape Town, safaris, wine country, and some of the world’s most spectacular coastlines.

10. Costa Rica
Rainforests, wildlife, volcanoes, and eco-tourism keep it firmly on travelers’ radar.

I thought I would write a post on upcoming celestial events this month. My book’s protagonist Ruby Diamond spends much of her time watching the sky for signs and wonders, so perhaps it’s no surprise that I’m a little obsessed with the night sky right now!

June 8-9: Venus & Jupiter Conjunction

The two brightest planets in the evening sky appear extremely close together after sunset. This is one of the easiest celestial events to spot with the naked eye. 

June 11-18: Mini Planet Parade

Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury line up in the western sky shortly after sunset. Around June 16-18, a thin crescent Moon joins the display. 

June 14-15: New Moon

The darkest skies of the month, perfect for stargazing, astrophotography, and spotting the Milky Way. 

June 21: Winter Solstice (Southern Hemisphere)

For South Africa, this marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Traditionally it symbolizes a turning point, when the light begins its slow return. 

June 27: June Bootids Meteor Shower

An unpredictable meteor shower. Some years it produces only a few meteors, while other years it surprises observers with sudden bursts. 

June 27-30: Mars Meets the Pleiades

The red planet Mars appears near the beautiful Pleiades star cluster before dawn. A great photo opportunity. 

June 29: Strawberry Moon

June’s full moon, traditionally called the Strawberry Moon. It will rise looking especially golden-orange near the horizon. 

If you’ve been following travel trends lately, you may have come across a term called night tourism or noctourism.

And honestly? I’m here for it. As a travel writer, and as the creator of Ruby Diamond, I find that fascinating. Ruby spends much of her time watching the sky for signs and wonders, so perhaps it’s no surprise that night tourism has become one of my favorite travel trends.

Instead of planning holidays around beaches, museums, or shopping districts, more travelers are choosing destinations for what happens after dark. Think meteor showers, the Northern Lights, stargazing, lunar eclipses, bioluminescent beaches, and some of the world’s most spectacular dark-sky parks.

 Perseid Meteor Shower
 Peak: August 12–13, 2026
Up to 30–50+ meteors per hour, sometimes more

June Bootids become active June 22

Sometimes the best sightseeing happens after sunset.

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It’s also the perfect holiday for Ruby Diamond, the star of my children’s fantasy novel A Streak of Light. If your kids love fantasy, space, and magical adventures, buy the book here.

More on my journey as a debut author here.

Now, onto June’s celebrations!

Buy my book now!

June Fun & Feel-Good Calendar

June 1 – Dinosaur Day
A reminder that giant lizards once ruled the Earth.

June 3 – World Bicycle Day
Two wheels. Infinite possibilities.

June 4 – Cheese Day
A celebration with very little opposition.

June 5 – World Environment Day
The planet gets the spotlight.

June 6 – Donut Day
Sprinkles count as self-care.

June 8 – Best Friends Day
The people who know too much and stay anyway.

June 10 – Iced Tea Day
Summer in a glass.

June 12 – Red Rose Day
A flower with centuries of symbolism.

June 14 – Flag Day
History stitched into fabric.

June 15 – Nature Photography Day
Proof that a walk can become an adventure.

June 16 – Fresh Veggies Day
Garden energy takes center stage.

June 18 – Picnic Day Revisited
Because one picnic day apparently wasn’t enough.

June 19 – Juneteenth
A day of remembrance, freedom, and community.

June 20–21 – Summer Solstice
The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Ancient cultures celebrated it with bonfires, feasts, and festivals.

June 21 – International Yoga Day
Stretch. Breathe. Repeat.

June 21 – World Giraffe Day
Tall, spotted, and somehow still underrated.

June 23 – Pink Day
An unexpectedly cheerful excuse to wear your brightest color.

June 25 – Global Beatles Day
A soundtrack for multiple generations.

June 26 – Chocolate Pudding Day
Childhood nostalgia in dessert form.

June 27 – Sunglasses Day
Eye protection, but fashionable.

June 29 – Camera Day
Capture something worth remembering.

June 30 – Meteor Watch Day
Look up. The universe occasionally puts on a show.

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Red velvet cake is a popular treat for Juneteenth

A message arrived in Texas.

But it was late.

More than two years late.

On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers reached Galveston and announced that enslaved people were free. The news should have come sooner. It didn’t.

Imagine waiting for freedom without knowing it had already been declared.

That moment became known as Juneteenth.

Today, Juneteenth is celebrated with music, parades, family gatherings, storytelling, and community events across the United States. But some of the most interesting traditions are found on the table.

Look closely and you’ll notice a lot of red foods and drinks.

Red velvet cake. Watermelon. Strawberries. Hibiscus tea.

The color red is often associated with strength, resilience, and remembrance, and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday.

Here’s another Texas twist: Texas became the first state to officially recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 1980.

These days, many people also celebrate by visiting museums, supporting Black-owned businesses, and learning more about local history.

Juneteenth is a celebration.

But it’s also a reminder.

Some stories take time to reach the people who need to hear them.

Recipes for Juneteenth

Cocktails

Red Velvet Cake

Cupcakes

BBQ recipes

Cherries are an easy snack to celebrate!

This post is sponsored by Legacy KidLit Press. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views. 

MY REVIEW

This is Book 2 in the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles series by Rick Williams Sr.

Orion Fire Storm takes everything from Book One and cranks it up like a dragon breathing directly onto the pages. The world feels bigger, darker, and more dangerous this time around. There are hybrid creatures, traitors, flying battles, creepy prisons, dark magic, political tension, and enough fantasy chaos to fill an entire castle. Cousins Jason, Amanda, and Elisa face darker enemies, and growing political chaos as they battle to protect the Belacamber universe and uncover dangerous secrets tied to star magic and betrayal.

What makes this sequel stand out is how cinematic it feels. One minute characters are racing through burning alleyways while arrows rain from the sky, and the next they’re uncovering mysteries involving star magic, ancient prophecies, and terrifying experiments. Some of the creatures in this book are genuinely nightmare fuel in the best middle-grade way possible.

The story also does a good job balancing action with emotional moments. The characters are growing up, carrying heavier responsibilities, and the stakes feel much higher.

If Book One opened the gate into this fantasy universe, Orion Fire Storm throws readers straight into the fire.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Orion Fire Storm

Written by Rick Williams Sr. with Caleb Williams

Illustrated by Prayan Animation Studio

Ages: 10+ | 417 Pages

Publisher: Legacy KidLit Press (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9874200-7-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: During this time of renewed interest in space travel, Orion Fire Storm follows Jason, Amanda, and Elisa—modern-day teens who travel among the stars and into the past—as they join forces with elves and shapeshifting dragons to save their nations. Continuing the adventures that began in Star Life Keepers, they face even deadlier trials in a medieval world of gryphon-riding wolf guards, roaming dire wolves, and flying raptors. Messengers from Orion’s Belt equip the cousins with magical gems to unlock the power beyond the universe. Features original illustrations, detailed maps, and an Encyclopedia of Creatures.

PURCHASE LINK

Orion Fire Storm: Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rick Williams Sr. is a former biotech executive who writes the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles series with his grandchildren and other Story Apprentices. Inspired by a visit to Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium—where Apollo astronauts trained—the series features a Star Globe that transports young cousins into a parallel universe where they heroically use astronomy magic to save their nations.

His debut, Star Life Keepers, became a top Amazon children’s eBook in Space Exploration and Time Travel. The adventure continues in Orion Fire Storm and the upcoming Young Dragonriders. Companion short fiction—including The Orion Dragons’ Holiday Tale and Dragons & Betrayals—explores story origins and expanding worlds in the series.

Through the Creative Writing Lab at thestorymakinghub.com—featuring the Story Writing workbook—Rick provides roadmaps and free materials to equip a growing community of young creators who want to share their own voices.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Prayan Animation Studio is a creative animation studio with an expert team of creators, artists, and designers specializing in custom artwork, mapmaking, and videos.

To learn more, visit www.prayananimation.com

GIVEAWAY

Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win an out-of-this-world prize pack! Three winners will each receive signed hardcover copies of Star Life Keepers, Orion Fire Storm, and Story Writing: A Workbook of Creative Writing Prompts for Kids 8–12. One grand prize winner will receive all of the above plus an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids—perfect for diving into even more adventures.

This post is sponsored by Legacy KidLit Press. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

MY REVIEW

This is Book 1 in the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles series by Rick Williams Sr.

This is a story about three cousins, Jason, Amanda, and Elisa, who are swept into a parallel universe at war, where ancient prophecies, deadly creatures, and hidden star powers force them into a fight far bigger than they ever imagined!

Star Life Keepers storms through dragons, dinosaurs, time-travel mysteries, dangerous kingdoms, and giant battles with the wild excitement of a kid describing the coolest dream they’ve ever had.

The story moves fast, with danger waiting around almost every corner, but what really makes the book fun is the sense of adventure. There are more than enough action scenes to keep middle grade readers flipping pages way past bedtime, flashlight glowing under the blankets. The worldbuilding is huge, packed with kingdoms, magic systems, and creatures that feel straight out of a kid’s imagination at full speed.

What I liked most is that underneath all the chaos and battles, the story keeps returning to friendship, teamwork, and courage. It has that classic ‘portal fantasy’ excitement where every chapter opens another dangerous door.

A wildly fun fantasy adventure packed with magic, danger, strange creatures, and nonstop action from beginning to end.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rick Williams Sr. is a former biotech executive who writes the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles series with his grandchildren and other Story Apprentices. Inspired by a visit to Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium—where Apollo astronauts trained—the series features a Star Globe that transports young cousins into a parallel universe where they heroically use astronomy magic to save their nations.

His debut, Star Life Keepers, became a top Amazon children’s eBook in Space Exploration and Time Travel. The adventure continues in Orion Fire Storm and the upcoming Young Dragonriders. Companion short fiction—including the Orion Dragons’ Holiday Tale and Dragons & Betrayals—explores story origins and expanding worlds in the series.

Through the Creative Writing Lab at thestorymakinghub.com—featuring the Story Writing workbook—Rick provides roadmaps and free materials to equip a growing community of young creators who want to share their own voices.

To learn more, visit www.rickwilliamsbooks.com.

https://www.instagram.com/storymakingwithrickwilliams

https://www.facebook.com/storymakingwithrickwilliams

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/84161.Rick_Williams

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-williams-31136919

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Prayan Animation Studio is a creative animation studio with an expert team of creators, artists, and designers specializing in custom artwork, mapmaking, and videos.

To learn more, visit www.prayananimation.com

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Star Life Keepers: Dragon and Dinosaur Chronicles

Written by Rick Williams Sr. and Brady Williams

Illustrated by Prayan Animation Studio

Ages: 10–14 | 388 Pages

Publisher: Legacy KidLit Press (2024) | ISBN-13: 9798987420010

Publisher’s Book Summary: With dragons and elves as allies, three cousins must save two worlds before time runs out. Join cousins Jason, Amanda, and Elisa as their desperate wish to undo family tragedy launches them into the war-torn, mythical realm of Belacamber. Guided by the legendary Star Life Keepers—an extraordinary alliance of elves, shapeshifting dragons, and prehistoric predators—the trio faces relentless foes, including terrifying flying T. rexes and vicious ptero-raptors, while battling to protect their own family back home. A thrilling middle-grade epic blending fantasy with time travel, dinosaurs, and dragon-filled skies.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble

GIVEAWAY

Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win an out-of-this-world prize pack! Three winners will each receive signed hardcover copies of Star Life Keepers, Orion Fire Storm, and Story Writing: A Workbook of Creative Writing Prompts for Kids 8–12. One grand prize winner will receive all of the above plus an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids—perfect for diving into even more adventures.

This post is sponsored by Pug House Books. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views

MY REVIEW

Jill Rosen’s Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog! is a laugh-out-loud adventure about one determined little pug with very big dreams. One trip to the dog park turns into total chaos when Phoebe decides she belongs with the giant dogs instead of the tiny ones.

Phoebe the pug has one mission: prove she belongs with the BIG dogs. Bad idea? Absolutely. That’s what makes this book so much fun. Expect giant Great Danes, muddy races, sandy chaos, and plenty of cheeky jokes to laugh over.

The rhyming text zips along like a runaway leash, making it perfect for reading aloud. Stephanie Rohr’s illustrations are packed with goofy details and sunny colors that make every page feel alive. Even the tiny expressions on the dogs’ faces tell their own hilarious story. But hidden beneath all the barking and comedy is a sweet message about growing up, fitting in, and realizing you don’t have to be big to matter. Sometimes it’s the small dogs who steal the whole show.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Written by Jill Rosen

Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr

Ages: 4–6 | 36 Pages

Publisher: Pug House Books Inc. (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-0695069-6-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: Anyone who has stared down a “You must be this tall to enter” sign will cheer on Phoebe’s latest quest to rule the BIG dog park the way only a pug can. Giggle along as a couple of compact canines stubbornly take on the BIG dogs in another hilarious, heart-warming adventure from the author of the award-winning Ode to a Pug books. Will our favorite gassy pug learn that the grass isn’t always greener? Or will her pug-powered determination pay off? A laugh-out-loud, adorably illustrated, rhyming tale of pup perseverance, perfect for children ages 2–8 and dog lovers of all ages.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jill Rosen is an award-winning, bestselling author and career marketer and advertiser. She lives with two kids, three dogs, two cats, and a former stand-up comic and Princeton sketch-comedy writing husband—so she doesn’t need to go far for comedic inspiration. Through her brand management work, Jill’s appreciation for powerful writing and artistic design only grew. She is a seasoned workshop facilitator and strategic healthcare consultant, specializing in mental health and infertility. Jill was inspired to begin writing her own stories by her two boys, both avid readers.

To learn more, visit www.odetoapug.com.

Instagram: @odetoapug

Amazon Author Page

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Steph Rohr is a French award-winning children’s book illustrator who earned a distinction from ECV Art School in Paris. She is fond of anything silly, funny, wacky, daft, and colorful. A freelance illustrator and art director, Steph has been working in London in publishing and advertising.

Instagram: @stephdoespictures

GIVEAWAY

Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of 5 hardcover copies of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog! by Jill Rosen. One grand prize winner will receive author-signed hardcover copies of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog! and the original Ode to a Pug, plus two custom pug plushies and two die-cut stickers.

I recently stayed at Tintagel Guest House in Cape Town, and I absolutely loved my stay. I love guest houses like these—hidden, slightly off the beaten path, and full of unexpected little details! I discovered the house is actually a Victorian building dating back to 1881. It was named after the legendary village of Tintagel, long linked to the birthplace of King Arthur, the mythical ruler who was married to Queen Guinevere before their kingdom was shaken by betrayal, secrets, and the tragic affair between Guinevere and Sir Lancelot.

Did you know?

According to Arthurian legend, King Arthur was the son of King Uther Pendragon and Queen Igraine. The story says Uther fell in love with Igraine and, with the help of the wizard Merlin, disguised himself as her husband, the Duke of Cornwall, in order to be with her. Arthur was later raised in secret before eventually pulling the sword from the stone and becoming king.

An unobstructed view of Table Mountain

The guest house has only 8 rooms, which gives the whole place a quiet, tucked-away feeling. I love Airbnbs, but guest houses always feel warmer to me somehow. Breakfast appears every morning without you having to think about it, and when you’re traveling alone, hearing voices in the kitchen or passing other travelers in the hallway makes the world feel friendlier.

The V&A Waterfront is only about 4 km away, and the beach is around 20 minutes from the property. Outside my room stood an old pear tree covered in tiny Edwardian pears. I later learned these heritage trees date back to the early 1900s and are considered little pieces of living history. The smell was heavenly!

The guest house is set inside a Victorian building dating all the way back to 1881

Breakfast is included for $120 per night

There’s an old Edwardian pear tree on the property

Breakfast is outside if the weather is good

Breakfast is a mix of fruits, cereals, yoghurts, cheeses and breads as well as hot options

My room was the ‘Guinevere Suite’

Ask about the history behind the name of the guesthouse